Ten Programs Recognized as NAIA Scholar Teams
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–A record 10 William Penn athletic programs were recognized for exceptional work in the classroom in 2017-2018 as they were named NAIA Scholar Teams Friday.
A total of 1,862 programs from within the NAIA received the laurel, highlighted by Missouri Baptist’s women’s tennis team being named Scholar Team of the Year with a 3.90 Grade Point Average.
The men’s golf team, led by Steve Tucker, was WPU’s best squad with a 3.49 GPA. The women’s golf crew, coached by Chris Pierson, and the volleyball team, coached by Aleesha Cleaver, were also in the running for top team at 3.48 and 3.46, respectively.
Jaymee Highcock’s women’s soccer (3.17) and men’s soccer (3.04) teams joined the list, while Abby Reynolds’ squads also doubled up as cheerleading had a 3.06 and dance had a 3.02.
Women’s basketball, headed by Steve Williamson, posted a 3.13 GPA, softball, guided by Mike Christner, tallied a 3.04, and baseball, steered by Mike Laird, managed a 3.01 to also eclipse the mark.
For a team to earn an NAIA Scholar Team award, it must have a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution. The team GPA includes all eligible varsity student-athletes.
